Owens to ref two games in RBS 6 Nations

Nigel Owens has been confirmed as one of the world's leading referees by being awarded two matches in the 2009 RBS Six Nations championship.

It is the first time the Welsh official has been selected for two starts, although injury last season enabled him to take charge of two games in the end.

The 37-year-old from Pontyberem will be the man in the middle when Ireland host France at Croke Park on Saturday, 7 February and he will also be the official for the game at Murrayfield on Saturday, 28 February when Scotland host Italy.

"These are exactly the same fixtures, but in reverse, that I had in last season's championship," explained Owens.

"It is great to have been selected for two matches right from the start and this will be my third season in a row to be involved as a referee at the Six Nations. The IRB said they would be giving the best referees more matches and I hope this means they are looking on me favourably."

As well as two outings as a referee, Owens will also be the No 1 touch judge for the England v France game at Twickenham and the Italy v Ireland match in Rome. Tim Hayes will join him as the No 2 touch judge at Twickenham and will back up George Clancy and Wayne Barnes in Paris for the France v Scotland match.

Rugby World Cup final referee Alain Rolland will take charge of the opening game in Wales' defence of the Six Nations title against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, 8 February.

Fellow countryman Alan Lewis, who was in charge when Wales beat Australia in the Invesco Perpetual Series '08, will control the game against Italy in Rome, while South African Jonathan Kaplan, who was in charge of the New Zealand test in November, will return to the Millennium Stadium for the visit of England.

New Zealander Steve Walsh will take charge of the final game in the championship, against Ireland in Cardiff.

WRU International Skills Coach Jason Strange is a busy man, combining the new role with that of Wales Under 20 attack coach, Ebbw Vale head coach and continuing to teach at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community.

Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton look ahead to this week's crunch RBS 6 Nations tie against France, where the Wales skipper in particular is keen to make his mark, as Paris has proved a bleak place for him in the past.

Following their historic win over England, Wales Under 20 suffered a narrow, 36-34 loss to their Scottish counterparts last weekend, despite outscoring them by five tries to three. Watch the match highlights and reaction.

WRU TV go behind the scenes with the Wales squad as they put the final touches in place ahead of the clash against Scotland at Murrayfield. Follow the squad on their captain's run, the kickers visit to Murrayfield and Neil Jenkins' press conference